MALDON RIDE


A cool and overcast morning, with a weather forecast of strong nor-west winds to be followed by showers, rain and downpours; did not deter 10 bike riders and 1 pillion, along with Mick and Liz in the tin-top. Included in the group were 2 new faces in Caron's husband Ewan and and friend Ben, who were both made feel most welcome.


So having assembled at Baxter for the mandatory pre-ride coffee, we all headed off under the leadership of Ron Olsson, with Alan Lindley bringing up the rear as Tailend Charlie, with at least 5 riders having bike-to-bike radios for enhanced safety.


A cool and windy ride, but otherwise uneventful, saw us to our morning break at Gisborne for loos, coffee, etc, and a chance for the cruiser and naked bike riders to thaw out a bit. Then on to Castlemaine for a refuel before arriving at our lunch destination of Maldon.


During lunch, numerous phone calls alerted us to the fact that rain was a certainty for the ride home. And that is how it was as we made our way through Daylesford and Woodend before the final run into Melbourne, over the Bolte Bridge , through the tunnels, and home via the Monash Freeway......... well for most of us, all except one...!!~!!! Seems Alan "Tom Tom" Lindley needs more than a GPS, so we will now have to equip him with a Melways, a compass, a Theodolite, a telescope, and a seeing-eye-dog in the faint hope that he will be able to follow everyone else without taking the wrong exit off Bolte Bridge. Last seen heading in the vague direction of Adelaide.


All safe home, although some were very cold and wet, at around 5-30 pm after a tough, but enjoyable day....... learning to ride and handle all conditions.


Thanks to Ron for his capable leadership. Tail-end Al (except for a brief period for him to "play"). and all the riders for ensuring everyone else's pleasure, company and camaraderie.